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Schools, Libraries Weigh Impact Of Ohio Tax Change

Ohio school districts are assessing the impact of a measure included in Ohio's new state budget that eliminates a property tax benefit they had been receiving from the state.

The $62 billion, two-year spending blueprint signed Sunday by Gov. John Kasich eliminates a 12.5-percent state property-tax rollback on new and replacement levies going forward.

The effective tax break to local school districts, libraries, mental health agencies and other entities that rely on property tax issues would still apply to renewals of existing levies.

Lawmakers in favor of the change said most Ohioans weren't aware of the state help and the change will save money. Beneficiaries of the rollback say the combined $35 million from their coffers will have an impact on the services they provide.